Empowering Yercaud: Unveiling the Essential Amenities and Market Needs for Vegetables and Arecanut
The Yercaud (ST) constituency, encompassing Yercaud and Vazhapadi taluks along with segments of Salem and Attur, is predominantly inhabited by tribal communities. Key areas where these communities are settled include Yercaud, Neiyamalai, Aranoortumalai, Jambuthumalai, Pelapadi, and Santhumalai. Historically, the AIADMK party has established itself as a formidable force in this constituency, securing victory in eight elections from 1977 to 2021, including a by-election win in 2013. In contrast, the Congress party achieved victories in 1957, 1962, and 1984, while the DMK claimed wins in 1967, 1971, 1996, and 2006.
Despite Yercaud’s allure as a tourist destination, residents express urgent concerns regarding basic amenities. R. Ramalingam, a local, highlighted the lack of drinking water facilities for visitors, forcing them to rely on bottled water. Additionally, the absence of adequate public restrooms and parking spaces at prominent locations leads to traffic congestion, especially on weekends and holidays as tourists park along the roadside.
Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, particularly in the Vazhapadi area. S. Jayaraman, a farmer, reported that arecanut is cultivated across over 10,000 hectares in Vazhapadi, Singipuram, and Vaithiyagoundanpudur, generating substantial revenue of ₹9,600 crore last year. However, he noted that the benefits primarily flow to middlemen, leaving growers at a disadvantage. Consequently, farmers advocate for the establishment of a regulatory market for arecanut in Vazhapadi to better protect their interests.
K. Kannan, another resident from Vazhapadi, shared insights on local agriculture. He indicated that brinjal, tomato, lady’s finger, and spinach are cultivated on 65% of the land, with arecanut and other crops comprising the rest. The harvested vegetables are transported to the Thalaivasal market, located about 50 km away. Despite this output, farmers struggle to secure fair prices for their produce. A cold storage facility with a capacity for 100 tonnes, constructed seven years ago on Singipuram main road, remains unused, limiting farmers’ ability to preserve their harvests. Kannan emphasized the necessity of operating this warehouse and establishing a regulatory market for vegetables in Vazhapadi.
Additionally, education challenges loom for local youth. S. Mohan from Singipuram revealed that many tribal students must travel to Attur or Salem for higher education, as the dream of a government arts college in Vazhapadi remains unrealized.
Looking ahead, the Yercaud constituency is gearing up for a competitive Assembly election. The political landscape indicates a four-cornered contest, with candidates from the DMK, AIADMK, TVK, and NTK vying for voter support. As the election approaches, the voices of local residents reflect pressing needs for infrastructure, agriculture regulation, and educational opportunities, underscoring the constituency’s struggle for development amidst its rich cultural heritage.
Published – March 29, 2026 10:43 PM IST
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/basic-amenities-regulatory-markets-for-vegetables-and-arecanut-are-prominent-demands-of-yercaud-residents/article70799382.ece
Category : Tamil Nadu
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Publish Date: 2026-03-29 22:48:00
